Kazakhstan is experiencing one of its most remarkable archaeological seasons in years, and at the heart of this surge in discoveries is the Dauylbai necropolis in the Zhetysu region. Nestled at the base of a picturesque ridge in the Karatal district, the site has long been recognized for its burial mounds but its deeper significance was only revealed through recent excavations. Work carried out in 2023–2024 under the leadership of historian Dossbol Baigunakov uncovered an exceptional array of artifacts from the 4th–3rd centuries BCE, offering a vivid look into the cultural identity, ritual practices, and artistry of the Saka people, one of the most influential nomadic groups of the Eurasian steppe.
The necropolis features 23 burial mounds, including 11 belonging to members of the elite. This density of high-status graves hinted at the importance of the site, yet archaeologists were still astonished by the quantity and refinement of the objects revealed. By late 2024, all of the finds had been moved to the Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpaev Regional Local History Museum, where restoration specialists began preparing them for future public display.
Gold Jewelry and Ritual Artifacts That Reveal Saka Craftsmanship
The most impressive part of the excavation is the collection of gold adornments and ceremonial items recovered from several of the burial mounds. These pieces gold beads, earrings, decorative plaques, bronze pins, bone buttons, and numerous ceramic vessels showcase the skilled metalworking and sophisticated aesthetics of Saka artisans. Because organic materials usually decay in the steppe climate, metalwork like this plays a crucial role in reconstructing how Saka clothing, accessories, and ritual attire once looked.
One of the standout finds is the varvorka, a finely crafted gold ornament that would have been sewn onto ceremonial garments. Its discovery confirms that Saka elites wore highly detailed metal embellishments during important rituals and gatherings. Another extraordinary object is a carved bone piece shaped like a snake-dragon. Academics believe it may have played a role in ceremonial practice or symbolized mythological concepts perhaps connected to protection, strength, or spiritual transformation. Though the exact meaning is still being debated, the intricate craftsmanship highlights the symbolic richness of Saka artistic traditions.
These discoveries together form one of the most illuminating archaeological collections yet found in the region, deepening our understanding of the Saka people and their enduring cultural legacy across the steppe.
Excavations conducted between 2023 and 2024 under the leadership of Doctor of History Dossbol Baigunakov have now revealed an extraordinary collection of artifacts dating to the 4th–3rd centuries BCE.
Elite burials at the Dauylbai necropolis have provided some of the clearest evidence yet of how Saka society expressed rank, identity, and power. One of the largest mounds investigated during the excavation measured roughly 40 meters across and rose nearly four meters high. Inside this monumental structure, archaeologists discovered the remains of a man interred with an iron akinak sword—an iconic weapon strongly associated with Saka warriors and nobles. Gold plates and personal ornaments found beside him further emphasize his high status, suggesting he belonged to the ruling elite or held significant military or political authority. Finds like these help map out the social hierarchy of the Saka world, where lineage, warrior prestige, and ceremonial roles shaped community life.
The 2024 season brought an especially rare and moving discovery: a paired burial containing a woman and a child. Such burials are seldom found in the Zhetysu region, making this an important scientific milestone. The child’s skull was located near a pair of gold earrings—an unexpected inclusion, since young children were almost never buried with precious materials. Based on skeletal measurements, the child is estimated to have been around 95 centimeters tall. The presence of gold jewelry suggests the child belonged to a prestigious family or held symbolic importance within the group. Alongside the remains, archaeologists recovered bronze plaques decorated with deer and other sacred creatures rendered in the distinctive Saka animal style. These elements reinforce the ceremonial nature of the burial and offer new clues about spiritual beliefs surrounding death and ancestry.
Restoration and Exhibition
Throughout 2025, conservators carried out careful restoration work to stabilize the artifacts. Metal objects were cleared of corrosion to reveal their original detail, while bone, ceramic, and other fragile materials were reinforced to prevent further deterioration. Thanks to this meticulous work, the pieces can now be studied in greater depth and displayed safely to the public. Many of the Dauylbai finds have already been featured in a temporary exhibition at the Tynyshpaev Museum, where visitors can explore the artistry and symbolism of Saka culture through jewelry, weapons, ritual objects, and everyday items.
A Broader Archaeological Landscape
Dauylbai lies at the center of a vast archaeological zone stretching across more than 100 square kilometers. The ridge is home to more than 190 recorded sites—burial mounds, settlement remains, and expansive petroglyph fields dating from the Bronze Age through later historical periods. For years, the area remained under-explored, but recent excavations have revealed its enormous scientific potential, strengthening the idea that Zhetysu served as an important cultural and ceremonial center for ancient nomadic communities.
Significant discoveries are emerging elsewhere in Kazakhstan as well. In the Turkistan region, archaeologists uncovered unique Bronze Age artifacts, including intricately decorated tools and ritual objects that complement the narrative taking shape in Zhetysu. Together, these finds show that 2024–2025 is becoming a breakthrough period for Kazakh archaeology—one that is reshaping our understanding of early nomadic societies and the deep cultural connections linking communities across Central Asia.
Expanding Knowledge of Ancient Nomadic Life
The Dauylbai discoveries add important new details to what is known about Saka society. The artifacts reveal a clear social structure, advanced metalworking skills, and rich symbolic traditions. The rare paired burial of a woman and a child is especially significant, challenging earlier ideas about family roles and the status of children in elite groups.
The high-quality gold items show that the Saka had skilled artisans and access to valuable materials, likely through strong trade networks. As research continues, these finds will deepen understanding of ancient Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage and give modern audiences a more vivid connection to early nomadic life.
